The nation’s pork producers have recommitted themselves to the “We Care” program announced last year at World Pork Expo. The program was developed by the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) and the National Pork Board (NPB) to help demonstrate that pork producers are committed to caring for their animals, producing safe food, protecting the environment and public health and giving back to the communities in which they live.
“Trust is not granted, it must be earned,” said NPPC president Don Butler of North Carolinaduring a press conference at Pork Expo Wednesday. To earn that trust, Don said the industry needs to prove to the public that they abide by ethical principles. “Everyone of us has a part in the overall effort to tell the positive story of pork production in America.” He outlined a five-step action plan for the industry – uphold the ethical principles everyday, obtain PQA Plus certification, register for premises identification, schedule PQA Plus site assessment and encourage TQA certification.
Listen to or download Don’s comments here: Don Butler on We Care
Nearly 31,000 pork producers have already been certified under the PQA Plus program that was announced two years ago. NPB president Steve Weaver of California says they are urging all producers to commit to the program and participate in the “We Care” initiative by December 31, 2010. “Through their participation, producers would abide by the statement of ethical principals, become Pork Quality Assurance Plus certified by June 20, 2010 and achieve PQA plus site status by December 31st,” he said.
Listen to or download Steve’s comments here: Steve Weaver on We Care
In addition, AgStar Financial Services and Tyson Foods pledged new corporate support for the “We Care” program. AgStar Financial donated $50,000 to be used to develop and maintain a new web site dedicated to the “We Care” initiative which will be launched shortly. Tyson Foods donated $10,000 to be used for conducting on-farm assessments and the company will also now require all of its suppliers to become PQA Plus-certified by June of next year.
World Pork Expo 09 Photo Album
AgWired coverage of World Pork Expo made possible by Novus International
